Responsibility Minute

This Minute is meant for Scouts BSA.

1 dollar bill for each patrol leader

consider using this minute right after troop elections

Can someone tell me who Bob Mazzuca is?
He was the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. The head honcho, top dog, big cheese. He had the responsibility of setting direction for the future of the BSA and that is a huge task.

In an interview, Mr. Mazzuca was asked: What is the most important thing about leadership today that is not being taught to the nation's youth?
His answer: Personal responsibility. Taking responsibility for your actions is a hallmark of a good leader.

Personal Responsibility - that means understanding that where you are and what you are doing is up to you. You can't blame it on your folks, or society, or even the scoutmaster. You are responsible for reaching your goals.

Scouts in leadership positions are expected to meet a set of goals. By meeting those goals, the scout demonstrates responsibility and leadership and can advance in rank. When the scout chooses to not meet the goals, the scout's advancement is delayed and the scout gets to try again.

What you need to remember about leaders is that they have to make decisions, take chances, and accept the results. You've probably heard "The Buck Stops Here". That means that I am taking full responsibility for my actions. I am not passing the buck, or the blame, on to anyone else. That quote was from President Harry S. Truman.

For each Patrol Leader, I have a dollar bill with "The Buck Stops Here" written on it. I would like you to take this and keep it in your Scout Handbook or your Patrol folder where you can see it often to remind you of your responsibility.

A good leader, and a good scout, takes responsibility for their actions.